Method of stabilizing soil in pile bearing regions

Abstract

Soil having liquefaction potential in a load bearing region is stabilized by the placement of load supporting pile means in the region and the placement of water impervious means in the region, the water impervious means extending to a depth at least equal to that of the soil having liquefaction potential to facilitate dewatering of the region and to prevent the entry of ground water thereinto.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of stabilizing loose, water-bearing, granular soil having liquefaction potential in a pile bearing region, comprising: placing load support pile means in said region of soil to a depth at least to a load bearing level and at least equal to the depth of said soil having liquefaction potential, forming endless wall means in said region and to a depth at least equal to the depth of said soil having liquefaction potential to confine said region above said load bearing level and within said wall means and to resist the flow of ground water into said region, providing means for removing water from within the confines of said wall means and removing water from within the confines of said wall means substantially to dewater said soil to a degree sufficient to stabilize said soil having liquefaction potential to thereby provide additional support for said load bearing piles. 
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said endless wall means are formed to a depth to penetrate into a water impermeable stratum below said soil having liquefaction potential. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said pile means are driven to a depth to penetrate into a water impermeable stratum below said soil having liquefaction potential. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said pile means comprise a plurality of piles placed in said region and said wall means are formed to confine subdivisions of said region and the groups of piles in each subdivision. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1, including the step of positioning monitoring means and water withdrawing means in said region to monitor the amount of water therein and withdraw water from said region when the amount of water therein exceeds a predetermined level or quantity thus to maintain said region free of liquefaction potential. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 5, wherein said monitoring means controls said water withdrawing means.